Austin Theater & Comedy Shows

Though Austin's theater and comedy scene may not be Broadway or Hollywood, it's still quite strong.

The University of Texas Performing Arts Center

The establishment of the University of Texas Performing Arts Center (TPAC) is comprised of six theaters that range from small and intimate to massive.

The Bass Concert Hall is the flagship venue and the largest of the six, seating about 3,000 people on any given night. In 2007, the Bass got an incredible facelift with a $14.7 million renovation to allow for big time productions and first class accommodations. The stage is vast. The orchestra pit holds about 100 musicians, and the huge backstage can handle workshops for carpentry, costumes, metalwork, and props.

The five other venues are McCullough Theater, Bates Recital Hall, Hogg Memorial Auditorium, B. Iden Payne Theater and Oscar Brockett Theater.

The TPAC hosts a wide variety of performing arts, including music, theatre, dance, and conversation, as well as a tremendous amount of acts like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Victor Borge, Nina Simone, Ornette Coleman, Merce Cunningham Dance Company, Van Morrison, Philip Glass, Ella Fitzgerald, and The English National Opera (just to name a few).

The TPAC is also known for Broadway in Austin, which has premiered The Lion King, Wicked, Jersey Boys, Cats, and The Phantom of the Opera.

Long Center for the Performing Arts

In 2007, the Long Center became the new home to the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Austin Lyric Opera and Ballet Austin. Located by Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, the Long Center houses the Michael and Susan Dell Hall, a 2,242 seat grand concert hall, Debra and Kevin Rollins Studio Theatre, a black box theater for smaller shows of 80-229 seats, and the City Terrace and Hartman Concert Park, a beautiful terrace with panoramic views of downtown Austin. 

Austin Comedy Scene

It is always the weirdos who make the best comedy. Austin’s comedy scene is thriving with big names that stroll through town in addition to fresh and funny local acts. A few spots that will definitely make your belly hurt from all that laughing:

The Velveeta Room, completely lit by red candles, has been going strong for 28 years. Their main attraction is on Fridays at 11pm and is called Sad Trombone. Don't miss it. 

The New Movement has shows throughout the week for five bucks or less. Or, if you want to channel your inner comic, you can take improv and comedy writing classes here. Watch out Dave Chappelle, we’re coming for you!

ColdTowne Theatre has a lot going on and on any given night you can see improv, stand-up, music, film, and more. 

If you’re looking for some bigger names like Hannibal Burres and Brian Posehn, the Cap City Comedy Club is the spot to check out. The Club has been an Austin favorite since 1996. 

And last but not least, the Hideout Theater is the place for improv, including MAESTRO, the improv show that has been performing for the longest of any improv show in Austin. It’s an intense, no holds barred match of comedians with tons of energy, a fast pace, and audience participation. At $12 a pop, tickets are well worth the cost of admission.

Grab tickets to the best of Austin's theater and comedy. Get ready to be entertained.